AP Biology · Unit 6: Gene Expression and Regulation
6.2 DNA Replication
In short
You must understand that DNA replication is a semiconservative process synthesized in the 5' to 3' direction. You need to know the roles of specific enzymes: helicase (unwinds DNA), topoisomerase (relaxes supercoiling), DNA polymerase (synthesizes DNA, requires RNA primers, continuous on leading strand, discontinuous on lagging strand), and ligase (joins fragments).
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What else do you need to know about DNA Replication?
The names of the steps and particular enzymes involved, excluding DNA polymerase, ligase, RNA polymerase, helicase, and topoisomerase, are explicitly beyond the scope of the AP Exam.
Can you do these?
- I can explain how DNA replication ensures continuity of hereditary information, including the roles of helicase, topoisomerase, DNA polymerase, and ligase.
How is DNA Replication tested on the exam?
Questions may ask you to describe the mechanisms of replication or explain relationships between characteristics of biological models (Suggested Skill 2.B: Visual Representations). Examiners will not penalize missing names of steps or enzymes outside the required list (e.g., primase or single-strand binding proteins), as these are explicitly excluded from the exam scope.
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DNA Replication: common questions
What do you need to know about DNA Replication for AP Biology?
You must understand that DNA replication is a semiconservative process synthesized in the 5' to 3' direction. You need to know the roles of specific enzymes: helicase (unwinds DNA), topoisomerase (relaxes supercoiling), DNA polymerase (synthesizes DNA, requires RNA primers, continuous on leading strand, discontinuous on lagging strand), and ligase (joins fragments).
How is DNA Replication tested on the AP Biology exam?
Questions may ask you to describe the mechanisms of replication or explain relationships between characteristics of biological models (Suggested Skill 2.B: Visual Representations). Examiners will not penalize missing names of steps or enzymes outside the required list (e.g., primase or single-strand binding proteins), as these are explicitly excluded from the exam scope.
How do I know I have mastered DNA Replication?
Check you can do each of these: explain how DNA replication ensures continuity of hereditary information, including the roles of helicase, topoisomerase, DNA polymerase, and ligase.
Where does DNA Replication fit in AP Biology?
DNA Replication is topic 6.2 in Unit 6: Gene Expression and Regulation of AP Biology.
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